Health evaluation of black-faced impala (Aepyceros melampus petersi) using blood chemistry and serology.

As part of ongoing ecological studies of black-faced impala (Aepyceros melampus petersi) in northern Namibia, blood samples were collected and analyzed from 26 animals captured for translocation in 1992. All animals appeared to be in good condition and no abnormality was noted during physical examination. Serum chemistry and mineral levels were measured and correlated with the results of bacterial and viral serology and were within the normal ranges for domestic ruminants. Antibody titers for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and bovine viral diarrhea were detected. Serological tests for bluetongue, foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, parainfluenza 3, brucellosis, leptospirosis, and anaplasmosis were negative. Significant differences in disease prevalence were not found between sexes.